Share

S. American federation rejects US proposal for Americas event in 2020

Zurich - CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, on Thursday rejected a US proposal for a new intercontinental tournament next year, noting that it would overlap with next year's Copa America and did not have FIFA's approval.

Carlos Cordeiro, the head of the US Soccer Federation, had written to the 10 federations that make up CONMEBOL offering to stage the new event featuring the best teams from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

The event, which would have strongly resembled the successful 2016 Copa America Centenario held throughout the United States, would have been held at the same time as the 2020 European Championship.

The proposed event would guarantee nearly $200 million to be shared among the invited teams and their ruling bodies, according to The New York Times.

The winners of the tournament would have earned more than $11 million.

But in a letter to Cordeiro, CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez said the logistical details were too difficult to overcome.

"The lack of approval and scheduling by FIFA of a Continental Cup for 2020, an essential condition for it to be held... makes it impossible for CONMEBOL and its member associations to accept the invitation," said the letter obtained by AFP.

Dominguez also expressed surprise that the US proposal came "shortly after, in January 2019, CONCACAF rejected our invitation to participate in the 2020 edition of the Copa America." He was referring to the governing body responsible for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

He also lamented that the US and Mexican football federations "sadly" and "inexplicably" declined invitations to take part in the 2019 Copa America in Brazil.

After the Brazil event, CONMEBOL plans to switch the Copa America to the same schedule as the European Championship from 2020. No host nation has yet been allocated for the 2020 event.

CONCACAF had welcomed the US proposal, saying the event would complement its own regional championship, the Gold Cup.

Dominguez again invited Team USA to play in the 2020 Copa America.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE